Strengths: The disc brakes were a pleasant surprise, as was the xtr rear derailler. The tires are good, but they aren't stock.
Weaknesses: the fork is simply not very good. the rear shock works well but it is just plain fox float, not rlc or rl. The lx front derailer, however, is a never ending source of problems... sometimes it takes a couple minutes to switch, sometimes it just doesn't switch the gears at all and i switch the gear manually.
Bottom Line:
I had some trouble the with the chain and derailler hanger early on but no trouble since, even after downhilling with it at killingon. climbs as well as it should (and it should climb well). I was dee-lighted by the price for this all around great bike. Between 3 and 4 chilis overall, 5 chilis for value.
Submitted by
Jason Flanagan
a Weekend Warrior
from Salem, Oregon USA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001
Strengths: Stiff, climbs well, descends great, goes where you point it.
Weaknesses: PIVOT BOLTS!!! Lame bushings, newer models get upgraded cartridge bearings, stupid 22mm Hayes rear disc mount, not a superlight by any means- extremely hard to build into a sub-30 lb bike...I tried.
Bottom Line:
This is a good frame that can be bought alone for CHEAP, or as a complete bike for an affordable price. I lost a pivot bolt-the one that connects the chainstay to the dropout/Horst-link. Jamis sucks to deal with as a company if you are a consumer, and I am not sure how they are if you are a retailer. Supergo was awesome through this, and is getting me a new pivot bolt. The bushings are sticky, and I haven't figured out how to make 'em slide more freely yet, fortunately newer models (post 2k) now have bearings. Rear disc adapter to go from 22mm Hayes to international standard is $50. remember tis if you are going to use, or want to upgrade to disc brakes in the future, unless you want Hayes brakes, then don't worry about it. The ideal buyer for this bike is someone who badly wants a full suspension bike but does not possess the cash to go buy a $1200 bike.
Similar Products Used: none- this is my first full suspension (though I test rode a ton of bikes)
Bike Setup: Manitou sx-r, cane creek headset, thomson stem, easton monkey lite carbon bar and carbon seatpost, Shimano XT disc brakes, XT drivetrain, mavic 317 rims w/XT disc hubs, Hutchinson alligators, time pedals
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Submitted by
Tony B
a Cross Country Rider
from Strafford NH USA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001
Strengths: solid and nice lookin
Weaknesses: soft
Bottom Line:
not sure if I have the 98 or 99 version of this bike, So far so good, I also have a trek 7000 and this is my first time with full suspension. Not used to the bounce but on the downhills I'll take the tradeoff. Bike is comfy once I dial in. COnsidering I paid $600 when it was all said and done this bike is great. You can get these frames dirt cheap and they not too heavy, My trek was about 25 and this one is close, I plan on racing it this weekend...
Strengths: Good component selection, strong yet ligth enough to climb almost anywhere, good suspension combo.
Weaknesses: Weak tires.
Bottom Line:
I'veen looking to change for F/S almost a year before i bougth this bike. Is definitly the best desicion i´ve ever made. I'm 200 lbs. plus rider and this bike made the ride much more comfy and enjoyable.
Bike Setup: As purchased except the tires (michelin hot s rear comp front)
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Submitted by
Dom Poirier
a Weekend Warrior
from Quebec
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2000
Strengths: Very good handling, good uphill and downhill capabilities. The bike can handle any situation, just aim and it will ride over anything.
Weaknesses: The rear suspension pivots came loose very often. I once lost the dropout pivot('Horst link') on the derailleur side, very bad thing to happen but I managed to ride back to my car( thanks to the good rear suspension design).
Bottom Line:
One of the best frame I've tried, except for those pivot problems (ride a lot like a FSR!), sure not as good than the Outland VPP5 I had (damn I miss that bike, how could I sold that beauty). If you're looking for a good overall bike, give it a try.
Bike Setup: I custom build it, so it goes like this(I've buyed a X-vert like the original spec); World Class and White Industries hubs w/ Sun CR17A rims and Control Tech Ti Race Allen axles,ESP 7.0 Rear der./shifters/brake levers,XT frt. der./BB/Cass., Caramba Sidewinder Crankset w/ rings, Kore stem/seatpost, White Bros. Ti Riser, Precision Billet Proshift Brakes, FSA Headset, Azonic Head-lock
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Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Newburgh,New York
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000
Strengths: Excellent components for the $. The progressive suspension is awesome for climbing,(used to own a Cannondale hardtail)even though its FS. The overall frame strenth...I beat the hell out of this bike for the past two years(mine is actually a 98) and only snapped the rear derailleur.
Weaknesses: None!
Bottom Line:
To anyone who loves to ride for the ride. Nuf said..........THIS BIKE IS SWEET!!!!!!!!!!
Strengths: Nice components, Tough rims, rides high off the ground (don't have to worry about pedals hitting as many obstacles). Love the Titec Hell Bent riser bar and Titec stem - good control. Excellent Urban Assault bike!
Weaknesses: Frame flexes under extreme pedal pressure - haven't had any problems though. I don't like the Avid 40's quite as much as I like my XT's but they work well and are light. Heavy overall (the 2000 Expert is a little lighter) although weight is not a big factor for downhill.
Bottom Line:
I love the bike! I didn't like it so much after just a demo but after owning it and racing it, it kicks *ss! Awesome for doing urban assaults: dropoffs, stairs, curbs (they're a joke), 2' tall walls, etc. are all a breeze on this bike! On the trail, the bike downhills very quickly and with minimal effort. The bike climbs beautifully too. The suspension plants the rear tire firmly into the ground and it stays there without losing traction. It's much easier than a hardtail to just lift the front end off the ground and over obstacles so that the back can roll right through it. You can literally ride this bike up tough inclines with the front tire inches off the ground providing killer traction...it's that easy to control! I wouldn't mind having a bike that is a little lighter but then I'd just break it into pieces. 4.5 Stars (I haven't ridden any 5 star bikes or any other 4.5 * bikes for that matter). BUY ONE TODAY! The 2000's are lighter and have disc brakes (I have no problem stopping it)!
Similar Products Used: -96 Gary Fisher Y (tested 20 miles): awesome bike, feels like you're riding on a Lazy-Boy recliner -- comfy! -98 Jamis Eureka (Hardtail)(1.5 years): my cross country race bike -97 Jamis Durango AL (Rigid)(3 years): good feel for the trail!
Bike Setup: 230 psi in Fox Float rear shock; Upgrades: XT crankset; 2000 Manitou X-vert Super Front shock (awesome!); Shimano M-636 pedals; Cog Hog; Aluminum derailleur pulleys; Cateye Adventure Computer (w/ altimeter!);
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Submitted by
KEVIN ADAMS
a Cross Country Rider
from PHENIX CITY,ALABAMA,US
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2000
Strengths: mine is a '96 dakar team bike so i may be cheating here. same suspension concept though. my bike is full xtr and wieghs 24.5 lbs. which is a definate strength. bike feels very normal when climbing. descends with the best.
Weaknesses: still tring to find one. well the syncros stem makes a cracking sound. not the bikes fault though.
Bottom Line:
i bought this bike in '97 as a dealer closeout. got a trmendous deal on a great bike. i weigh about 200 lbs. there is still no slop in the pivots. this is a very very good bike. happy trails yall
Favorite Trail: trail of tears - phenix city alabama
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Similar Products Used: y-bike (yuck) gfisher y-bike (yuck)
Bike Setup: full xtr, manitou fs ti ('96) syncros stem,post,barends. time atac carbon pedals. (all on the bike when i bought it)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Ward
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ashland OR
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2000
Strengths: Excellent overall value. Neutral, predictable and trustworthy handling characteristics. Climbs realy well on rough, steep and loose ground for 3 rear travel. Fun on descents. Tracks well thru sketchy high speed turns. Responds well to body english. Laterally stiff vertically plush.
Weaknesses: Initially the darn bell crank pivots were prone to mid ride squeeking and cinching on one side and loosening on the other. Jamis was politely responsive, returned my calls more than once and provided a solution. They even tossed in a few free parts that I told them I messed up. The solution does involve some tinkering during srevice intervals. I live in a decomposed granite (gritty sand) area which requires frequent pivot cleaning (for all similar bikes). Pivot service down to about 15 min every 15 to 30 riding hours. P.S. Do not oil pivots they will collect more crap and squeek. The bushing is dry lube impregnated and designed to function dry. Bike is a bit heavy but the weight is well applied in the frame construction and does show up in the non-whippy handling.
Bottom Line:
Including upgrades and shipping I spent $1610. Nice a combination of freeride and XC performance. A great distance trail blaster. Even though I added 4.4lbs over my hardtail my ride times went down! I guess the bike looses a little on the long climbs but seems to more than make up for it in the rough and steeps. From a target market standpoint Jamis has a winner. Yee Haa!
Bike Setup: Full XT (11-32cass), Mavic 517, WTB SST, Gore RideOn, bar ends, IRC Mythos 2.1. Ran Vanilla Float at 190psi (my weight 180lbs)until last downhill and then a very quick pssst to 170psi revealed a really plush and active tail. Shock psi is a trade off between smooth climbing and sprinting terrain and descending plushness. I really would like to try the Float RC with compression damping lock out. Fork - Initially I cranked the compression damping but it was not enough. I needed the stiff replacement X-Vert-E MCUs which were cheap and required about 15 min. to upgrade. . . much better. The X-Vert-E also needed the bottom out preventr kit.
Strengths: Nice components, Tough rims. Excellent Urban Assault bike: nice up and down stairs, hops easily onto and above anything.
Weaknesses: Feels loose on the tough downhills. Squirms all over the place underneath you. Heavy. When sittig still and brakes are locked, pressure on the right pedal forces the front, left side of the rear triangle to flex significantly. Seems as if the bike would break easily.
Bottom Line:
I want a FS bike so that the extreme downhills are more bearable than on a rigid. This bike worked my forearms. Felt as if I had to hold the bike together under me. Not nearly as comfortable as the Gary Fisher Y that I tested. I've owned a Jamis for over 3 years now and have raced with it plenty and never had any complaints. This FS Jamis needs to be refinedsome more though. Needs to lose some weight too! May still buy it if my boss (local bike shop) will give it to me for what he paid (a Steal!)
Similar Products Used: -96 Gary Fisher Y (tested 20 miles): awesome bike, feels like you're riding a Lazy-Boy -97 Jamis Durango AL (3 years):good rigid
Bike Setup: Stock setup with 200 lbsof air in the rear shock (too springy for my 175lb body). Front shocks tightened up all the way. Shimano SPD pedals instead of Time Alium pedals
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jo Jo
a Cross-Country Rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999
Strengths: Nice componets, very good front shocks, up-gradeable to lock-out.
Weaknesses: It seemed to go up a little slow, but i really wasnt trying, and the hills wernt taht big where it tried it, other than that, none that i picked up on when riding for about 30 minutes
Bottom Line:
Nice, while i only demoed this bike, it perfromed very well, and shifted like i was running though oil...the shocks were fine, i didint really notice the curbs anyway, and when it all comes down, the bike looks pretty damn good.
Submitted by
dino
a Cross-Country Rider
from T.O. CA
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1999
Strengths: This bike is quick and agile. Decent componentry for the price.
Weaknesses: Short (relatively speaking) travel.
Bottom Line:
With the changes in components (fork, rear shock,wheels too), the bike is at 27.0 lb. Not light, but not bad for a FS. My Fisher XO is about 4lb. heavier, but has 4 travel front and rear. The Dakar has 3 front and rear, but I prefer a litle stiffer ride on this bike, so probably don't get the full 3 benefit.Bottom line is, it's quicker going up, slower going down than the Fisher (that's probably a function of my age, however). It also took a lot more money for me to get the XO to where it is.I think this bike is a good deal for the bucks.
